Two-thirds of global organizations expect to slow entry-level hiring in the coming years, according to new research, marking another clear sign that artificial intelligence is reshaping the foundations of the labor market.
New research shows AI is already reshaping everything from hiring pipelines to leadership development — and it's going to get even more severe
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Two-thirds of global organizations expect to slow entry-level hiring in the coming years, according to new research, marking another clear sign that artificial intelligence is reshaping the foundations of the labor market.
The study found that employers are rapidly adopting AI tools — nearly all have begun implementation — and that automation is already changing or displacing roles at scale. In fact, 91% of organizations say job responsibilities have shifted or disappeared due to AI, with routine tasks most affected.
As companies lean more heavily on automation, many say the traditional entry-level pathway to success is narrowing. Seventy-one percent expect greater difficulty training and recruiting future leaders due to the loss of entry-level learning pathways, and 69% say junior employees will have fewer opportunities for on-the-job learning.
“AI is no longer emerging, it’s fully here,” Nick Catino, global head of policy at Deel, said in a press release. “It’s reshaping how we work and how businesses operate.”
Catino emphasized that not only are entry-level jobs changing, but the skills companies are looking for are evolving too. “Both workers and businesses need to adapt quickly. This isn’t about staying competitive, it’s about staying viable,” he said.
Two in three organizations have already invested in AI-focused training to help employees build new capabilities, the survey found, although many cited obstacles like budget limits, low engagement, and a shortage of expert trainers.
Another surprising development from the survey: A mere 5% of organizations still consider a university degree essential for junior roles, with many instead focusing on broader communication, critical thinking, and technical abilities.
But plenty of challenges remain: nearly half of those surveyed said outdated systems are slowing AI integration, and 43% cite a lack of skilled AI talent. Many are offering steep salary premiums — sometimes 50% or more — to recruit specialists, alongside incentives like access to advanced tools and clearer career paths.
The research, which was conducted in September 2025, had responses from leaders across markets including the U.S., Canada, China, India, the U.K., Australia, and Brazil. Respondents included people in industries ranging from tech and finance to healthcare, retail, logistics, education, and government.
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